Reports of a possible hit on a US F-35 fighter jet by Iranian air defense systems could lead to a reassessment of the aircraft’s combat capabilities, according to Military Watch Magazine.

The publication notes that flights of the F-35 over central Iran indicated confidence by US command that Iranian air defenses had been sufficiently weakened to allow fifth-generation aircraft to operate in contested airspace.

However, the reported damage to the aircraft raises questions about the continued use of the F-35 for deep strikes inside Iranian territory and may affect its operational tactics.

The article highlights that the aircraft’s design requires it to operate relatively close to its targets. At the same time, delays in the Block 4 software upgrade limit the integration of long-range air-to-surface weapons, unlike older fourth-generation fighters. These factors combined reduce the aircraft’s effectiveness in environments where access to airspace is restricted.

As a result, potential limitations on operations over Iran could significantly impact the combat utility of the F-35.

Earlier reports indicated that an F-35 operating over Iran was damaged and made an emergency landing at a Middle Eastern airbase.